Acta anaesthesiologica Belgica
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Acta Anaesthesiol Belg · Jan 1999
Influence of methane on infrared gas analysis of volatile anesthetics.
Contemporary multigas analyzers determine anesthetic gas concentrations using (near) infrared analysis at either 3.3 or 8-9 microns. Methane also absorbs infrared light at 3.3 microns, but not at 8-9 microns. Consequently, erroneous anesthetic agent readings may result when methane is present in the circuit (e.g. during closed circuit anesthesia), potentially compromising patient safety. ⋯ At 3.3 microns wavelength the influence on the measurement of halothane was important, whereas the influence on that of enflurane and isoflurane was less pronounced. For desflurane and sevoflurane measurements, the influence of methane at 3.3 microns wavelength proved to be minimal. At higher wavelengths (8-9 microns) no influence of methane could be demonstrated.
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An original question. Following a recent questionnaire of the Ministry of Public Health we are often stressed, tried, we work to hard. We arrive before the surgeons, remain the defender of patient during the OR stay. ⋯ This evolution will limit our activity. The value of team work is stressed the anaesthesist focus on the essential, the patient, his life ... He is a "Doctor"